Gunnison Country Food Pantry

The mission of Gunnison Country Food Pantry (GCFP) is to serve those in need by providing food assistance in a kind, confidential, and supportive environment. While the Pantry has existed in some form since 1962, it became a nonprofit in 2006 and has grown significantly ever since.

In 2022, GCFP moved into a larger, more functional space—just as demand and service costs were surging. Today, the Pantry serves all of Gunnison County, Colorado’s fifth-largest county by area, home to about 17,000 residents across Gunnison, Crested Butte, Mount Crested Butte, and surrounding communities. Like many mountain towns, the local economy relies on tourism and seasonal service jobs. The need for food assistance has soared since the pandemic began in 2020. Even as emergency funding ended, demand continued to rise. 

Over the past three years, GCFP has served 60% more people, with annual growth of 10–15%. Two main factors drive this trend:

Low wages—median household income in the Gunnison Valley is 28% below the state average.

High housing costs—half of residents spend more than a third of their income on housing.

As a result, 40–45% of residents live below the self-sufficiency standard, one-third of local students qualify for free or reduced meals, and one in five residents experiences food insecurity. Pantry data reflects these realities: nearly two-thirds of guests work one or more jobs, yet earn less than the state average while facing higher living costs. GCFP primarily serves the working poor, not just traditionally impoverished populations.

The Pantry is also a vital resource for immigrant and marginalized groups. While 15% of the county speaks Spanish as a primary language, they represent nearly half of Pantry guests. Vulnerable populations—children, seniors, and people with disabilities—also rely heavily on GCFP. Last year, the Pantry served 579 children and 276 adults over age 60.

Tracking Impact:

For over a decade, GCFP has diligently recorded both quantitative and qualitative data to measure the quantity and quality of aid provided. Recent data confirms that need is rising exponentially

.2024 Metrics:

2,530 individuals served: 579 children; 1,725 adults 18–59; 226 adults 60+

91,248 Healthy snacks and 2,401Gunni-Packs distributed to children

213 Emergency Boxes distributed by 26 partners

961 visits to the Fresh Mobile Pantry

Beyond numbers, staff regularly surveys guests and documents informal feedback from conversations with the Pantry Manager, Community Connector, and volunteers. These stories reveal the human impact: a family bridging a gap after a parent loses work, a cancer patient keeping food on the table, or an hourly worker missing shifts due to illness. By tracking these anecdotes, GCFP understands how community reliance evolves as external pressures shift and intensify.

Programs and Services

No-Cost Grocery Distribution – Guests “shop” for fresh produce, dairy, and staples in a grocery-style setting, preserving choice and dignity. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with translators available and Thursday dedicated to seniors. Mobile operations provide home delivery for those with mobility challenges and support Western Colorado University’s Mountaineer Marketplace for students and staff.

Food for Children – Weekly Gunni-Packs (four meals, three snacks) go to children’s homes. Healthy snacks are delivered monthly to schools, libraries, and after-school programs. Two mini-pantries are located in schools.

Food on the Move – A Fresh Mobile Pantry serves five neighborhoods May–October. Mini-pantries operate at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and Palisades housing. Emergency boxes are stocked at 26 community sites.

NextStep Network – Launched in 2025, this program addresses root causes of food insecurity by connecting guests to 28 local, state, and federal resources for economic stability.